The group stage of the Dr. T. Ao Trophy 2025 concluded on Friday with emphatic victories for Wokha, Niuland, Phek and Mon, as the final quarter-final lineup was confirmed amid scenes of jubilation, heartbreak and drama across four decisive fixtures.
Wokha 4 – 0 Kiphire
Wokha ended their group campaign in commanding style, defeating Kiphire 4–0 in Match 25. Tsentselong opened the scoring in the 24th minute before doubling his tally in the 57th minute. Just a minute later, Yisanbemo added Wokha’s third, and Zaremo sealed the rout in the 69th minute. Despite Kiphire’s spirited resistance, Wokha’s disciplined backline ensured a clean sheet and an authoritative finish to the group stage.
Niuland 3 – 2 Tuensang
In Match 26, Niuland edged Tuensang in a five-goal thriller to secure their passage to the knockouts. Kakhevi struck in the 15th minute, followed by Toka’s composed finish in the 38th, putting Niuland 2–0 up. Tuensang hit back just before halftime through Ayemnongba, who also moved to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts with eight goals. An own goal by Niuland’s Torito in the 51st minute brought Tuensang level, setting the stage for a tense finale. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time (70’+6) when Hivika’s long-range strike clinched the win for Niuland. The match saw yellow cards for Yongkhong (Tuensang) and Niuland’s Toka, Ito, and head coach Hivika Kivili.
Phek 3 – 0 Mokokchung
Phek delivered a dominant display in Match 27 but fell agonisingly short of qualification. Johny Ritse broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute before Veluta doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time (35’+1). Shovelo’s 59th-minute strike capped the win, but Phek, who needed four goals to advance, were left to rue missed chances. Veluta (Phek) and Sentimongba (Mokokchung) were cautioned during the match. Despite the defeat, Mokokchung progressed to the quarter-finals on goal difference.
Mon 3 – 1 Shamator
Match 28 saw Mon come from behind to beat Shamator 3–1 in front of a vociferous home crowd. Shamator’s Apong gave his side a historic first goal of the tournament in the 15th minute, but Mon equalised through K. Arap in first-half injury time (35’+2). Laiwang’s strike two minutes after the restart put Mon ahead, and Arap sealed the win with his second in the 60th minute. Shamator’s Solen was booked in the 4th minute. The result confirmed Mon’s place in the knockout stage, while Shamator exited with pride after finally finding the net.
Quarter-final fixtures
The knockout stage begins on August 11 with Mon facing Dimapur at 1 p.m., followed by Chümoukedima against Niuland at 4 p.m. On August 12, Mokokchung will meet Peren at 1 p.m., while Kohima take on Wokha at 4 p.m. The semi-finals are scheduled for August 13, with the winners of the first and third quarter-finals meeting at 3 p.m., and the winners of the second and fourth quarter-finals facing off at 6 p.m.
An exhibition match between NFA Officials and the Organising Committee will be held on August 14 at 5 p.m.